Athletes can be huge jerks sometimes. Not Kevin Durant. In case you missed it, Kevin Durant won the NBA MVP award last week. He then made an MVP acceptance speech for the ages. He showed what a class individual he is. It was a fine display of humility for a guy that could take the same road as many athletes do once they reach the top of the sports food chain, which is become me-first jerkwads that forget they are just humans like the rest of us.
During his speech he told a few stories from his childhood and pointed out and thanked his personal MVP… his mother. The moment was emotional. Watching the video might make you shed a tear or two. My eyes even started to sweat a little, not gonna lie.
While I was watching I kept thinking about the sacrifice it takes to be a mother. I thought about my own mom raising me and my brother as a single parent for the first 10 years of my life. I thought about how crazy of a Bears fan she was in the 80s and 90s. There's no doubt where my love for sports came from. She would yell at the TV when the Bears were on. I always knew it was serious and now I carry on that tradition. Only I've expanded my yelling to include the Cubs, Blackhawks and Bulls. Thanks mom.
I also think of my wife and how great she is with my son. Without her there's no way my son could enjoy sports the way he does. Mom's pave the way to allow kids to be involved in sports. People say soccer mom like its a bad thing. It's badass. It's a badge of honor if you ask me. Their support in just being at games is monumental.
And don't get me started on the subject of me watching games. I'm a frickin' ball of nerves watching one of my teams play. I'm also a huge pain in the ass when they lose. I know this. But I'm still a pain in the ass. I'll sit there with my arms folded and not say a word. You could fry an egg on my head after a tough Bears or Blackhawks loss.
But Lindsay knows when the going gets tough, I just need my space to calm down for like an hour. She's not only supportive for my son Jack's sporting adventures, she comes to watch me play and support me in my games as well.
So guys and gals, don't forget to return the favor and show your mom's some love today on her special day. It doesn't matter if you're Kevin Durant or just an old guy playing in a men's league, your mom's helped all of you and encouraged you to participate in sports which in some way has shaped you into the person you are today.
Happy Mother's Day, mom. Happy Mother's Day, Lindsay. You are the best moms that one son and husband can ask for. I thank you and love you guys with all of my heart.